der Unfug
nonsense / mischief
Pointless, foolish, or disruptive behavior that is usually harmless but can cause trouble; nonsense or pranks.
EXAMPLE
Hört auf mit dem Unfug und macht eure Hausaufgaben!
Stop this nonsense and do your homework!
der Unfug
nonsense / mischief
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'Un-' and the old word 'Fug'. The prefix 'Un-' expresses something negative or wrong here. 'Fug' used to mean 'that which is fitting or right'. So 'Unfug' is literally something inappropriate or wrong.
EXAMPLE
Was ihr da macht, ist wirklich Unfug.
What you're doing there is really nonsense.
No plural
'Unfug' is an uncountable noun and is almost always used without an article and only in the singular. You cannot say 'ein Unfug' or 'viele Unfüge'.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben im Garten nur Unfug im Kopf.
The children have nothing but mischief on their minds in the garden.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Unfug' are 'Unfug machen' (to make mischief / talk nonsense) or 'Unfug treiben' (to get up to mischief). A typical command to stop is: 'Hör auf mit dem Unfug!' (Stop this nonsense!)
EXAMPLE
Die Schüler trieben während der Pause Unfug im Klassenzimmer.
The students got up to mischief in the classroom during the break.
Compare with
Unfug vs Quatsch
nonsense
Quatsch and Unfug can refer to silly or disruptive behavior. Quatsch usually sounds more playful and colloquial. Unfug more strongly suggests that the behavior bothers others, causes trouble, or breaks a rule, even though it is usually harmless.
Unfug
Die Kinder treiben Unfug und verstecken trotz des Verbots die Schuhe ihrer Mitschüler.
The children get up to mischief and hide their classmates’ shoes despite the ban.
Quatsch
Die Kinder machen Quatsch und setzen sich ihre Mützen verkehrt herum auf.
The children fool around and put their hats on backward.
In real life
Loading video examples...